Monster Storms Program Brings Weather to Life

This winter’s unending snow storms have even the youngest New Yorkers tuning in to the Weather Channel. Which is why area students were more fascinated than ever by this year’s Monster Storms program at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES. Whether they were taking a turn in the humidity booth, the hurricane booth, or learning about weather patterns from meteorologist Jim Witt, the students were immersed in hands-on learning.

“I discovered so much about what causes certain weather patterns,” Kira Dobbs from Mahopac Middle School said after attending the presentation by meteorologist Witt. Fellow student Bella Marinelli agreed. “He talked about how the sun, moon and other planets all affect our weather,” she said. “It was so fascinating.”

Students particularly appreciated the hands-on interactive exhibit room, where they could experience a tornado simulation generator, learn why the honey-bee population is diminishing and watch as fellow students and even their teachers experienced the hurricane booth.  After braving the fierce winds of the booth, Mahopac Middle School teacher Lindsey Macchio said, “I’m glad I tucked my ID badge into my jacket in before I went in!”

In addition to learning the causes of different types of weather, how precipitation is formed and how weather is forecasted, students also got to visit with live animals when Ryan Basting from BOCES Madden Outdoor Education Center brought in a corn snake and a barred owl from the center among other wildlife.